Veronica O'Connor Parker
Ronnie
Veronica Parker, 78 of Billings passed away peacefully on April 14, 2010.
Veronica was born on September 26, 1931 in Chicago, Illinois. Her parents were Florence and Michael O’Connor. She was the 3rd child of six children, and the first girl.
Her schooling began at St. Timothy’s elementary school, St. Scholastica Academy for girls High School and one year at Mundelein College for Women before quitting to marry. She returned in later years to attain her undergraduate degree, and her master’s degree from MSU Billings. She had planned to work toward a PhD but ill health altered that plan. She graduated as an outstanding senior in her major course of study and she appreciated all of her instructors at EMC. Learning was important to her.
After graduating, she taught at Billings Central High School, Senior High School and the new Skyview high School. “Her kids” were very special to her.
Veronica’s Irish heritage was very important to her, but even more so was the fact that she held dual citizenship with Ireland, a source of great pride.
After divorce, she looked to her Catholic faith for support. There was no group available in the Eastern Diocese. She decided to start one and visited with Msgr. Zarek who was acting Bishop of the Eastern Diocese. He gave his blessing, permission, support and guidance. Father’s Arbanas and Schuster accepted the newly formed group at St. Pius X Church. Veronica traveled the state giving talks and informing parishes of the existence of this support. Bishop Murphy then arrived as the head of the Eastern diocese and accepted the separated and divorced group as a positive move in the Church. Veronica also formed a club at Eastern Montana College, open to all, with positive mentors from the community giving talks. She never realized how major the response would be.
Parish work revolved around teaching CCD for several years and Co-President of CCW for two years as well as a member of the first Eucharistic Ministers team for a short time.
Sports were a major part of her life, growing up and participating with basketball and baseball most primary in her life. Her last team was a Navy Civilian softball team at Great Lakes, Naval Station after her marriage. Her beloved Chicago CUBS were always a priority and as a single person she attended every game she could – which were many.
Seven children were born of her marriage to James Parker, Sr. Surviving children are Christine Carlson, Colleen Hunt (Don), Bruce (Lisa), Brian (Rosemary) and LTC Daniel (Christie), as well as daughter-in-law Barbara Parker. Twelve Grandchildren are Ryan Parker, Brett Parker, Shannon Westerman, Sean Carlson, Kate Carlson, Katie Hunt, Sarah Hunt Bailey, Brian Parker, Kevin Parker, Brenna Parker, Maura Parker and Bridget Parker, and great grandson Connor Bailey. Also surviving are her sister Loretta O’Connor, sister-in-law Peggy O’Connor, many nieces and nephews, and many lifelong friends.
She was preceded in death by her sons, James, Jr., and baby John, brothers John O’Connor, Raymond O’Connor, and William O’Connor, sister Mary O’Connor and her parents, Florence and Michael O’Connor.
Vigil services will be 7pm Monday, April 19th at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary. The Memorial Mass will be 11am Tuesday, April 20th at St. Pius X Church. Rite of Committal will be in Calvary Cemetery with a luncheon to follow the services.
Memorials may be made in the honor of Veronica Parker for Billings Central High School c/o Billings Catholic Schools, PO Box 31158, Billings, MT 59107.
Remembrances
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I remember Mrs. Parker very well..I had her for a teacher at Skyview, both as my typing teacher, and Business Law. She was one of my favorites, and I will always remember her with great fondness. I pray for her and for the healing for your family, for such a loss..God Bless you all.
Marshall Leary
Ronnie was a very special friend to me. Seems like she was my second mother in Billings.
She always was there to help anyone and a smle on her face. I met Ronnie while Colleen and I played softball and her home was always open to me.
I will miss her and keep all her family in my prayers.
Shirley Knight